A Blast at Dickens on the Strand

Last Saturday, we had a ball at Dickens on the Strand. I was a bit worried about navigating the crowd (especially since my husband had to work that Saturday unexpectedly) but I was pleasantly surprised. We arrived just after 10 am when they opened the gates and walked the Strand. There was a constant line of sight seeing for sure. My favorite was the Princess Baby in the gorgeous coach. In the photo here, you can see Little K and her Cici peeking inside at a real child. Oh, how I would have LOVED to have a stroller like that when I was younger.

We also saw a quick magic trick by a goose, who couldn't lay a golden egg, but could find a candy cane for my daughter. That goose seemed to know my daughter's preferences.

There was just so much to see... from the costumes and St. Nicholas' appearance to the Alpaca named Cici. (That's what Little K calls her paternal grandmother --also pictured -- so it was quite coincidental.) Interestingly, alpacas hum. Who knew? Their fur is super soft and great for blankets.

Next, we ate corn dogs and fresh lemonade. Little K even tried her first Funnel Cake with Cici. At last, we found a kind of cake that my daughter likes. She scarfed it right up.

We enjoyed the real wedding Dickens-style at noon and then decided just to sit for awhile, listening to gorgeous singing. The carolers were the good dose of Christmas that I needed.
Finally, a magician/trickster appeared on stage and performed various juggling acts and tricks. Our favorite was twirling the rope around 5 people and then watching each person slowly sneak out from beneath the rope without touching it or messing up the roper. Of course, we liked that trick mostly because Little K was one of the stars. (See photo below. She's the tiniest one.)

Any ways, if you didn't make it to Dickens on the Strand this year, mark the first weekend of December on your list for 2009. It was a wonderful, calm day that supported Galveston's Historic District. It was hard hit by Hurricane Ike but is coming back, thanks to people like you.

I also took photos of the west end of Galveston... the devastation from Hurricane Ike remains. I'll post those later this week. I'm still in awe.

Until the next nap time...

I know we're past Thanksgiving, but Little K keeps bringing home drawings of turkeys in the shape of her hand. Funny. I remember doing that as a kid, too. Since Thanksgiving seems to be still on our mind, I thought I'd share a photo of Little K playing with her home-made tom-tom. We actually made it on Thanksgiving while the feast was baking at my parents' home. She is still playing with the oatmeal container turned Indian music instrument. I thought my father was going to toss us out of the house if we played the tom-tom any more.
Looking for something fun to do this weekend? Don't forget Dickens on the Strand is this weekend in Galveston. Pack up the kids on Saturday or Sunday and head down for a day of Christmas spirit. Hope to see you there!
Another fun event if you want to stay close to home is the ADVENT FESTIVAL at Faith Lutheran Church, located at
4600 Bellaire Blvd., Bellaire, TX 77401. It's this Saturday, Dec. 6 from 10 am - 1 pm. Prepare for Jesus’ Birth! Bethlehem Bazaar and Food, Advent Crafts and Ornaments, Games, Carols, Storytelling, Bake Sale and Silent Auction. Fun for all ages!
Admission is a canned good or unwrapped toy for Christian Community Service Center’s “Jingle Bell Express”. (What a great idea!)
To close out for the week, I want to share these real comments from moms in Houston. Share your comments to this blog to keep the laughter rolling.
You know you're the mother of a preschooler when you ...

• double-knot your own shoes.
• find a half eaten molded sandwich under your driver's side seat!
• discover going to the grocery store is a twice weekly event.

Until the next nap time...

Fun Holiday Activities in Houston

If you're looking for some fun holiday activities in Houston, be sure to check out my December article "Seasonal Sensations" in The Buzz Magazines, page 9.

I also highlight 10 Seasonal Celebrations in my monthly e-newsletter called the Houston Family Fun Newsletter. Check out the December newsletter and then subscribe to this free email newsletter. (I never sell your contact information so no worries.) Each month, you'll receive one email showcasing fun things to do with your family.

As always, your feedback is welcome so send me your ideas for upcoming newsletters and let me know your family-oriented interests. You can also post your ideas & comments to this blog. Thanks.

Until the next nap time...

Oprah Brings Thrifty Holiday Music to All

There are not many free things these days, but here is one from Oprah. She has eight free Christmas songs available for download. the artists include: Faith Hill, Tony Bennett, Il Divo, Josh Groban, Brian McKnight, Amy Grant, Harry Connick Jr., and Aretha Franklin. Here is the link: http://www.oprah.com/article/oprahshow/20081118_tows_holiday/2 They are only available for the next day. So, this is my way of saying Happy Thanksgiving and may you have relaxed and peaceful month ahead during this holiday season!

Happy Holidays!

Until the next nap time...

Over the River?

Whether for Thanksgiving or the Christmas season, I like my new rendition of the holiday favorite "Over the River", now referred to as "Over the Bayou". It's Houston-style.

Over the bayou and through construction
To Grandmother's house we'll go.
Dad knows the way
on the Katy Freeway
through sun and mug we'll Go -- o!

Happy Thanksgiving to all! Until the next nap time...

Madagascar 2 Cracks Us Up

Yesterday afternoon, Trent & I took Little K to the movies to see "Madagascar 2". It was the first time for Trent to see our daughter at the theater. (I've taken her to a matinee once with our MOPS group.) It was so fun.

Little K didn't seem to remember our previous trip but she was excited to see the show. She LOVED the popcorn. Luckily, we sat on the first row above the handicap seating so Little K actually had plenty of foot space and could occasionally stand up to stretch her legs without bothering anyone.

The "Madagascar 2" show was fabulous. Adults enjoyed it and youngsters were thrilled. I can only imagine watching that flick on IMAX, which is available at the Houston Museum of Natural Science. That would be a blast. Great, humorous lines with some good moral values weaved in. I give the show a big thumbs up. Trent & I have agreed, though, that our favorite part was watching Little K at the movie -- she danced, sang and was enthralled. Now Daddy is even willing to take Little K to more movies. Who knows? Maybe Mommy will catch some free time while the duo heads to the movies.

Until the next nap time...

Paint This

We had a great, no stress time at Young at Art this morning. My sister brought her 4 month old Claire so that we could get her foot print painted. Too fun & cute.

Even though it's a gorgeous day outside, we enjoyed the art studio. I only wish I had taken Little K there when she was a newborn so that I could have gotten her handprint & footprint done. Claire's handprint was so little, it was adorable. Last time, we did Little K's footprint but could only do her toes because her foot is already bigger than the large tile we were painting. Way to go, Mom.

I think we're going to see "Madagascar 2" later today so I'll post my review later this weekend.

Until the next nap time...

Flu Shot

Last Friday, I got a flu shot. I've made the mistake of not getting one in the past and regretted it in January when I was sick as a dog. This year, I hope to escape the bug.

But what about my 3-year-old? I know, I know. All the doctors recommend the flu shot in young children, especially those attending school since they're surrounded by other carriers of the flu. With so many runny noses in one classroom, I don't know how any of them stay healthy. However, there's something counterintuitive about sticking my daughter with a needle... voluntarily. And how do I explain that we're choosing to get a shot? Suggestions out there?

I asked my husband his thoughts yesterday & got the brush off with "Let's wait until she's feeling better." She has allergies or a cold or something not contagious, the doctor said last week. Hmm... I want someone to wave a magic wand to give my Little K the flu vaccine without the pain of an injection. I wonder if her Tinkle Bell wand would work?

Until the next nap time...

Yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Claus

My sister-in-law sent me this yesterday and I had to share this magical story.

A full page ad repeated the “Yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Claus” article from 1897. Macy’s had a page next to it in which children can write their letters to Santa. You put it in an envelope, put a stamp on it, and then take it to Macy’s to put it in their big giant mail box. Then, Macy’s is donating $1 for every letter to the Make a Wish Foundation. So, it’s fun with your youngsters and a good cause! Check out the web site and have fun!

Thanks, SuSu!

Until the next nap time...

Singing in My Past & Future

My maternal grandfather turned 85 on Election Day. I tried calling but got a busy signal. He was likely talking to one of his numerous relatives. I plan to have Little K call her PaPa Don this weekend to sing for him. In the mean time, I emailed the b-day boy and got the following response. Singing must have been on his mind.

Hi Meg:
I understand and I know you have a full plate. But thank you for the greeting.

Besides your email forces me to write to both you and Colyn over something I found in the files while looking for some other material for your blog.

Surely you remember digging potatoes here several years ago. But do you remember the ditty we used to sing both during the digging and afterwards? Well, while I look for that picture of you two, tell if the following jogs your memory.

Last summer we went to Ohio
We went to help pa pa pick peas
But the rabbits arrived there before us
Dug taters, 'cause there ain't NO peas !
Taters, taters,
Dug taters 'cause there ain't NO peas !

I know that both of my great grand daughters are rising vocalists. Now it's your job to teach them this new lyric.

Pa Pa


Hope you Houstonians get outside this weekend and enjoy the gorgeous weather. Perhaps your family will plant something of your own. Now's the time.

Until the next nap time...

God bless mothers who drugged us!

A friend forwarded this email to me & I just had to share it.

The other day, someone at a store in our town read that a Methamphetamine lab had been found in an old farmhouse in the adjoining county and he asked me arhetorical question,

''Why didn't we have a drug problem when you and I were growing up?''

I replied, I had a drug problem when I was young:

I was drug to church on Sunday morning.

I was drug to church for weddings and funerals. I was drug to family reunions and community socials no matter the weather.

I was drug by my ears when I was disrespectful to adults.

I was also drug to the woodshed when I disobeyed my parents, told a lie, brought home a bad report card, did not speak with respect, spoke ill of the teacher or the preacher, or if I didn't put forth my best effort in everything that was asked of me.

I was drug to the kitchen sink to have my mouth washed out with soap if I uttered a profane four-letter word.

I was drug out to pull weeds in mom's garden and flower beds and cockleburs out of dad's fields.

I was drug to the homes of family, friends, and neighbors to help out some poor soul who had no one to mow the yard, repair the clothesline, or chopsome firewood; and, if my mother had ever known that I took a single dime as a tip for this kindness, she would have drug me back to the woodshed.

Those drugs are still in my veins; and they affect my behavior in everything I do, say, and think. They are stronger than cocaine, crack, or heroin; and, if today's children had this kind of drug problem, America would be a better place.

Until the next nap time...

Acorns A Many

I forgot to check the pockets on my daughter's clothes before doing a load of laundry. No big deal, you think? Well, I just found the 29th acorn and am betting I'm not done. Apparently, Little K collected acorns the other day at school and put them in her pocket. She carefully sealed the pocket snap closed so the acorns wouldn't fall out during nap time.

I whiz through the laundry and discover 1 acorn, 2 acorns... Not only have the 29 acorns appeared in the laundry basket, but also on my bedroom floor and in the laundry room. "So that's what was making that sound in the dryer," my husband said.

"At least it wasn't frogs," my neighbor said. Her nephew rescued several baby frogs by putting them in his pant pocket. When his mother was later folding his clean clothes, she discovered his collection of frogs. Groce.

I'll be sure to check Little K's pockets from now on. Who knows what she could collect?

Until the next nap time...

Meeting Our New Twin Cousins & Painting for a Table

Last night, our family made a short drive to my cousin Jon's house. Just over a week ago, Jon & wife Lisa were thrilled with the birth of twin boys, "B&B" we'll call them. I was amazed at how little they really are, weighing in just over 6 pounds each. Their faces were smooth, perhaps because their Mommy had a C-section but who knows. The best was watching Little K interact with them. She was quite curious and wanted to know if she could play with their toys.

"It won't be long before they have tons of toys for you to play with," Aunt Lisa told my three-year-old. True. Time goes by so fast.

This morning, our MOPS group went to Young at Art to paint pottery. Although I wish I hadn't been rushed to make an 11:30 am conference call, it was fun to paint next to my girl. We each painted a tile for the table I swear I'll update before the end of the year. (There. Now I've set the deadline publicly. Hold me accountable, please!) Years ago, my mom gave me this cool sewing machine table that I really like. It just needs to have the top redone. We've been working on decorative tiles for about a year now so we should almost have enough. It's a great project to do with a child since they can create their own masterpieces and you can put them to good use. I'll have to keep you posted.

Until the next nap time...

Your ID Please?

Earlier today, I went to the grocery store and purchased some adult beverages for this weekend. When the checkout lady asked for my ID, I laughed... out loud. We quickly began talking about how funny it is that at some point you want someone to ask for ID.

It is funny. It was not that long ago that I wanted to look older and be older. Now, I'm caught between just wanting to look my age and wanting to look younger. What an odd evolution we go through.

I just hope my daughter will enjoy her youth. I don't want her to be older. I like her just how she is and want her to remember a childhood filled with happiness.

Until the next nap time...

Pumpkin Patch

When I think of fall, pumpkins always come to my mind. That's why we headed to Dewberry Farm three years ago to pick out a pumpkin from an actual pumpkin patch. Ever since, we've made Dewberry Farm an annual favorite.

They've added quite a bit of activities since last year, from a new fort to climb to the people-size gerbil running wheels that will give the adults a real workout. We should have allowed more time but we only had about two hours. We arrived around 7 pm since we wanted to see the 350 jackolanterns carved with themes from the NFL to Disney and Hollywood. Tip: Bring a flashlight so you can better navigate the half-mile jackolantern tour and be ready for a long line. Bring plenty of cash since the admission price does not include everything within the farm.

All in all, we really loved the trip again. This year, Little K said her favorite was the swing. It's an old horse walker that has bags of sand (or something similar) hanging from them. Kids can grab hold of the sand bags and whirl around the circle. (See Little K at left.) Just hang on tight. I loved the hayride but I do love cuddling. Hope you and your families can make time for this special treat.

Until the next nap time...

Fall Fun Abounds

Every October, I find there's so much going on, that it's hard to choose. Here are some of our favorite autumn outings.

First, Art Mix Learning will be hosting its 3rd Annual Halloween Party on Friday, October 24th, from 4-6pm. This is a free event for the whole family, so dress in costume and enjoy the fun!

(Beginning October 18th, Art Mix Pop-In Studios will be open on Saturdays from 10 am -5 pm. YES!)

The St. John Vianney Parish Bazaar is an annual treat for us & will be held this Sunday, 12 from 11 am - 7 pm. You do not need to be a member of this west Houston church to have a blast. There are loads of kids' activities and rides. Delicious food and drinks are available from BBQ to Italian & Mexican food. It's a wonderful way to spend a Sunday.

Oct. 18 from 11 am - 5 pm, head to the St. Rose of Lima Fall Festival. Enjoy pizza, BBQ sandwiches & carnival fare. A silent auction with sports memorabilia, trips and more will peak adults’ interests. Festival games and lots of other fun fall activities for the young & young at heart promise a day full of fun.A Trick-or-Treat Pass for the games is available for $15 in advance or $20 at the event. Please call the school office at 713-691-0104to buy the Trick-or-Treat pass in advance. Halloween costumes are encouraged. All community members welcome. Come see me at the Preschool Treasure Dig. I'd love to visit with you.

The ArBOOretum 2008 will also be held on Saturday, October 18 from noon - 5 pm. Join the critters for an exceptional event with live owls, petting zoo, pony rides and trick or treating along a forest trail. New this year are live snakes with "Clint the Snake Man" and a hayride. Admission for Nonmembers, age 3 and up, is $15 per person. Activities including: Live snakes (11 a.m. - 1:30 pm), Live owls (2 - 5 pm), Trick or treat trail, Hay rides, Face painting, Pumpkin decorating, Petting zoo, Pony rides, Kid's Zip line, Cake Walk and Costume Parade at 2 pm and 4 pm. Refreshments available for purchase.Follow signs to satellite parking; shuttles available. No dogs allowed day of event.

It’s Fall Carnival time at Condit Elementary School! The annual carnival will be held on Saturday, October 25, 2008 from 1– 4 pm at 7000 S. Third Street in Bellaire. Take a spooky walk through the Fun House or race around in the Silly String Shoot-out. Other fun games will include a pie eating contest, karaoke, and wall climbing. Also, don’t forget to get your face painted, grab confetti eggs, take a cake walk, and go fishing. There’s a variety of activities for every age, plus delicious food sponsored by Escalante’s Mexican Restaurant. Come join the fun and support Condit! There is no entrance fee, you can buy tickets for the different activities at the carnival, everyone is welcome!

Until the next nap time...

New Resource: Paper Protocol Blog Gives Great Tips

While waiting for a client to call me back today, I started looking at blogs and searching on topics that I'm interested in. I found this cool blog called Paper Protocol that has good tips on paper, invitations, stationery, etc. (Check out the cute princess invites.) I have a BS in journalism and write for a living so it's a natural extension. Paper Protocol is cool because it talks about trends and the blogger's favorite paper goods. Plus, it has good Houston recommendations. It's off to a great start. I'll be back for sure. Now if only there was a blog on how to run a business, raise a family and stay sane!

Until the next nap time....

Where to Go When You Have No Power

With no power at our house, we continue the wait for power from my parents' home. At least they have a generator. We've spent more time than I care to admit in front of the TV, watching "The Jungle Book". However, we've ventured out for a few fun trips.

PaPa treated all of us to ice cream the other night after dinner. What a welcome treat that cold dessert was. My butter-pecan ice cream brought back memories of my Grandfather taking us out for ice cream after dinner at the cafeteria years ago. Butter-pecan was Grandfather's favorite flavor.

On Sunday, after checking out our own house and trying to nap there in the afternoon heat, we gave up. With no circulation, it was not worth the attempt. Our house was built in the 1930s and the windows have been nailed and painted shut. There's NO circulation. Trent, Little K and I ventured to Memorial City Mall for a ride on the carousel. For $1 per ride, it's one of the simplest ways to please a child and stay cool. I love all the colors and lights.

If you have any fun ways to stay cool while CenterPoint (& others) restore power in Houston, add your comments to this blog for others to see and try. Thanks!

Until the next nap time...

Recovering After Hurricane Ike

Well, Hurricane Ike proved to be "the storm" that was predicted. We evacuated to my parents' home in Houston because they had boarded up and didn't have as many tall, old trees as we did in central Houston. It proved to be a wise decision.

When people ask me tomorrow why I still don't have electricity at my house, I think I'll just show them these photos. Apparently, our zip code (77018) was one of the hardest hit areas in Houston according to CenterPoint Energy.

The storm that hit Houston early Saturday, Sept. 13, brought 100+ mph winds, flooding and tornados. Our next-door neighbors' property was hit by a tornado (Tree Toppers - they're called). It "shared" my neighbors' trees by landing them in our yard and pool. How nice to share.

When we went to our house late on Saturday to check things out, I absolutely could not believe my eyes. We're blessed, really, because our house was not damaged, minus the laundry room taking on some water since it's the lowest point on our property. (That's what you get when you live in an old house, right?) At least a tree didn't fall on our house like it did my Grandmother's house down the street.

I couldn't even take photos of my Grandmother's house. Two trees that once held together a swing -- that my father swung on decades ago, followed by me years later -- lay on the ground. Another tree from the neighbor's yard landed on Grandmother's kitchen, bedroom and upstairs game room. The roof is now tarped. Another tree that carefully bordered the driveway toppled over, stretching across the street and reaching into another neighbor's yard. (How many times did my Grandfather warn my Grandmother not to back out of the driveway and hit that tree?)My dad had to get a Loader to push the tree across the street and into my Grandmother's yard so that traffic could get through. Thank God my Grandmother was not home when the trees came tumbling. That would have been so frightening. I'll try to get the photos that my husband took of all this to give some perspective. It certainly made me recognize the power and seriousness of these storms.
Still, I've been amazed and encouraged at how neighbors and friends have come together. People who have lived across the street since I was a child opened their doors to watch my property when I evacuated. Others brought dinner to my next-door neighbor. Even the constables in our neighborhood brought the older neighbors bags of ice. The community spirit through it all has been a good reminder to me about how our neighborhoods could be... should be. Kids play ball in the street and ride bikes as many adults clean up the branches and debris. Everyone stays close to home. Even after local restaurants gain generator power, many people just felt more comfortable being at home with family and friends that have taken refuge.
I think about the Hurricane Katrina evacuees and remind myself that I'm so lucky that I have a home and neighborhood to return to. I just hope that this camaraderie, this sincere care for people beyond my doorstep will continue.
As Judge Ed Emmett said in one of the press conferences, this storm can bring out the very best in people. Bring out the best.
Until the next nap time...

Preparing for Hurricane Ike

So after a nice -- albeit rainy -- vacation in Puerto Rico for our 10th wedding anniversary, we're back in Houston preparing for Hurricane Ike. I'll continue posting whenever I can. My husband is bound and determined that we'll be leaving our house. I want to stay as long as the electricity (let me clarify -- Air Conditioning) is running. Little K knows a big storm is coming but doesn't understand the gravity of a category 3 or 4 hurricane hitting the Gulf Coast. We've decided to only explain the basics and try to have some fun with our daughter since no one in Houston is working on Friday.

I'm off to the pharmacy for allergy meds and then to pick up Little K from nursery school. "Take a Hike, Ike" is our new mantra. Who knew I should have included a generator on my Christmas wish list last year? Ugh.

Until the next nap time...